Dyche On Ipswich Draw

Sean Dyche felt his side were denied a perfect start to the New Year after Ben Mee’s headed goal was chalked off in the goalless draw with in-form Ipswich.

The Clarets defender saw his 39th minute effort ruled out for a teammate’s alleged push on the goalkeeper.

Ben Mee's disallowed goal

And Dyche was left frustrated after a game of few clear-cut chances ended with honours even.

He said: “It was a scruffy game I felt, and a good performance in the sense that we were playing an in–form side who have just won five on the spin away from home.

“They are no mugs and they grind games out, working from their shape and getting the ball forward at every opportunity.

“I felt we dealt with that well and had some good moments ourselves.

“We didn’t create enough in the end and I will say it was a hard afternoon for Andre Gray, who didn’t get a lot today, I’d suggest.

“I try not to get too involved with referees, so I’ll let others decide that.

“But I’ve had a good look at the goal that was disallowed. There are two of their defenders in there screening with our two forwards, and there is minimal contact on the keeper.

“He gets penned in by their own two men, so I am disappointed in that decision

“With all those things considered, to come away with a nice clean sheet – our ninth of the season and third in four games – means we are making this a tough place to come.”

Dyche, who revealed that midfielder Dean Marney missed out with a calf “niggle”, added: “On reflection it’s another point on the board and another clean sheet, with some positives to come out of it, so we move forwards.

“We are right in the mix and we want that challenge to stay up there and take it as far as we can.

“That’s the kind of mentality we have and it was on show again today.

“It’s very difficult to win every game, so don’t get beat and we did that today in a really tight affair.”